Final two MLS expansion to be announced in March

In a recent statement, MLS Senior Vice-President Dan Courtemance confirmed that plans are moving ahead as expected in Philadelphia, bringing the reality of a 16th franchise even closer. The MLS will also expand by an additional two teams for the 2011 season, although the hopeful candidates continue to patiently await a decision. A final verdict was scheduled to be made late last year, but no formal announcements have been issued. In the running are Vancouver, Ottawa, Miami, St. Louis and Portland, who were set to receive word of a second selection in early 2009.

Courtemanche has since advised that both bid winners will be announced by mid-March, attributing the delay to unexpected travel setbacks. According to The Vancouver Sun, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has visited all bidding cities except Ottawa and plans to complete the trip by the end of January. Originally, Ottawa was one of three Canadian cities to submit a bid, but now the race is down to two.

In an unexpected twist, Montreal retracted its bid last November. The bid, put forth by Joey Saputo and Liverpool co-owner George Gillett, was withdrawn due to financial issues, after it was discovered that the necessary research was not in place regarding funding and public support, as outlined in a statement made by Garber to Canada's CBC Sports.